Judge Delays Trial for Fatal Shooting Case

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A homicide trial was postponed by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park following changes with a witness, allowing the defense to have more time with evidence during a hearing on March 24.

Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on May 28, 2023, on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

A witness wanted a protective order to be vacated as explained to the court by the witness’ attorney, Michael Madden. The protective order had limited the information shared to Williams and his attorneys about the witness’ identity and personal information. Judge Park granted this request.

Williams’ attorneys, Sylvia Smith and Erica Arensman, requested for the trial to be postponed due to the vacated protective order and the late disclosure of police documents from the prosecution.

The prosecution agreed to this request, only noting the complications for scheduling with their witnesses.

The prosecution explained that the witness order will need to change to accommodate the witnesses’ schedules, but that everything else should work.

Judge Park granted the request for a continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 25.